Vols. for 1994-1995 distributed to depository libraries in microfiche.

General Note:

Special "80th anniversary supplement" issue published on Aug. 12, 1994.

General Note:

Special ed. for 65th anniversary of the Panama Canal issued at end of Oct. 1979, is also a joint issue with: The News: authorized unofficial publication of the U.S. Armed Forces, Quarry Heights, Panama, and includes the text of the Panama Canal Act.

Board convenes Photo by Don Goode
Members of the Panama Canal Commission Board of Directors, Panama Canal officials and special guests meet
in the Commission Board Room in Balboa Heights. Clockwise, from far right, are CanalAdministrator Gilberto
Guardia F.; DeputyAdministratorRaymond P. Laverty; Panama Ambassador to the United StatesJaime Ford;
board members John J. Danilovich, Alfredo N. Ramirez, WalterJ. Shea and Cecilia E. Alegre; Chairman Robert
R. McMillan; Commission Secretary Michael Rhode Jr.; board members Joe R. Reeder, Joaquin J. Vallarino,
William E. Carl and LuisA. Anderson; and U.S. Ambassador to Panama Deane R. Hinton. This was the first
board meeting for newly appointed board member Reeder, who is the undersecretary of the U.S. Army.

Pay issues considered;
committees restructured

Panama's vice minister of for-
eign affairs, Carlos G. Cordero,
spoke at the opening of the Panama
Canal Commission Board of Di-
rectors meeting last month on the
importance of demonstrating
Panamanian andU.S. commitment
to maintaining high standards of
efficiency andservice at the Panama
Canal and Panama's ability to as-
sume full responsibility for the man-
agement and operation of the wa-
terway.
Outlining actions taken by
Panama in this regard, he discussed
a constitutional amendment cur-
rently before the National Assem-
bly that will establish the autono-
mous Panama Canal Authority to
operate the waterway and the pro-
posed establishment by executive
decree of a high-level transition
team to coordinate and provide

THE PANAMA CA NAL -

SpIllway

Vol. XXXII, No. 3 Friday, February 11, 1994

mmw~1

New technologies used to maintain docks

Dock repair

Crouched inside a floating dock,
timberworkersAntonio Gaitdn, left
and Javier Saez remove old metal
reinforcingbarsfrom a wallseparat-
ing two flotation chambers. Later,
they will install new bars and repair
the hole in the wall with concrete.
Maintenance Branch crews are cur-
rently renovating the floating and
fixed docks at Dock 19 in Balboa.
Photo by Armando De Gracia

By Susan Harp
Equipment maintenance and
improvement have always been
essential to the operation of the
Panama Canal, and current reno-
vations to Balboa's Dock 19 and
the Miraflores towboat landing are
part of that effort. Exterior Main-
tenance Branch personnel are re-
placing fenders and timbers and
repairing concrete docks and pil--
ings at both locations.
Discussing the work in Balboa,
BranchChief GeorgeBerman says,
"We want the marine structure to
be compatible with the new offices
next to Dock 19." Contractors are
remodeling the office from which
Pacific-side line handlers are dis-
patched, and Dock 19handlesmost
of the launch traffic that carries the
line handlers to and from ships on
the south side of Miraflores Locks.
Although maintenance work-
ers regularly inspect and repair
Panama Canal Commission docks,
constant use takes its toll on the
structures. On the Pacific side,
tidal variations of more than 18
feet add to the wear and tear, as the
floating docks bump the piers as
they rise and fall with the sea.
Fenders give the structures some

protection during impact with the
piers and docking vessels.
"This is the same fender mate-
rial that we installed along the
locks walls," says foreman Lance
E. Keene as he points to the thick
black strips along the Dock 19
landing. He adds that the strips are
made of a special rubber covered
with ultrahigh-molecular-weight
plastic, a teflon-like substance that
minimizes damage to both the
launches and the dock. Installed a
year ago, the strips at Dock 19 still
look unscratched.
The Dock 19 landing is a 240-
foot-long floating concrete barge.
The interior is like a waffle, with
concrete walls separating the air-
filled chambers that provide
bouyancy. Crews descend into the
35-foot-long by 10-foot-wide cham-
bers to repair walls that have de-
veloped holes due to the corrosion
of the metal reinforcing bars.
"We are working to improve
our concrete repair methodology,"
Berman reports, explaining that
new equipment purchases have
allowed crews to use technologies
that save time and provide stron-
ger results. Facilitating the repairs
at Dock 19 and the Miraflores

landing are the recently purchased
diamond-blade wall saw and hy-
draulic splitter. The diamond saw
cuts through concrete like a circu-
lar saw rolls across plywood; when
inserted into holes and then ex-
panded, the hydraulic splitter
breaks up concrete.
Another new machine making
work easier for maintenance crews
is a concrete pump, which works
like a fire hydrant and hose, except
that it delivers wet cement instead
of water from the truck to the work
area. It will be used at both loca-
tions because there is no way to
drive a truck down the ramps to the
landings. The cement was previ-
ously transported bywheelbarrow.
Maintenance workers are test-
ing a machine that allows them to
actually spray concrete onto forms
and hope to use it to repair the
hard-to-reach underside of Dock
19. "The new technology reduces
labor and material costs and im-
proves work quality," says Berman.

quest for i efforts r
ther increased
pation in executive serial
positions at the Canal.
With a view toward enhancing
the Board of Directors' role in the
planning and implementation of
the Canal's transition to Panama,
the board approved Chairman
Robert R. McMillan's recommen-
dations for restructuring the stand-
ing board committees. The new
structure includes an Audit Com-
mittee, a Transition Committee
and a re-chartered Personnel and
Security Committee. These com-
mittees will increase board involve-
ment in, as well as provide guid-
ance for, Commission planning for
the transfer of the waterway to full
Panamanian control.
As a result of the Personnel and
Security Committee meeting the
previous day, the board addressed
issues pertaining to an across-the-
board annual pay adjustment for
Commission employees beginning
in early 1994. The initiative was
recommended by Administrator
Gilberto Guardia F. in view of the
U.S. Congress' authorization of a
new locality-based pay system for
white-collar workers in the conti-
nental United States and the elimi-
nation of the pay-limitation provi-
sion for blue-collar employees,
which would have created a wage-
adjustment disparity among occu-
pational categories at the Canal.
The matter has now been referred
to the Panama Area Personnel
Board for interagency coordina-
tion and appropriate action.
The next quarterly meeting of
the board is scheduled to take place
Sin the Republic of Panama in April.

Take note
Residents of Panama
Canal Commission housing
areas are asked for their co-
operation with a physical in-
ventory of ranges, refrigera-
tors and other household ef-
fects owned bythe Commis-
sion. Properly identified
Housing Office personnel will
be conducting the interview
in quarters through March 18.
Questions may be referred to
Edward Ohman at 52-3384.

Inspection stickers, plates now available on Atlantic side

Atlantic-siders who have had
their motor vehicles inspected may
now obtain inspection decals, reg-
istration papers and license plates.
The stickers and "Registro de
Propiedad Vehicular" forms may
be obtained between 8 a.m. and 4
p.m. weekdays at the traffic office
behind the former cold storage
complex in Mount Hope. The cost
is 50 cents per vehicle. Required
documents include 1993 registra-

tion papers, the 1994 inspection
form and the vehicle owner's iden-
tification card or cedula. It is advis-
able to also bring a photocopy of
each of these documents for every
vehicle owned and to be prepared
for a long wait or the possibility of
having to return another day.
The last step is picking up the
1994 plates at the Municipal
Treasurer's Office on 12th Street
and Santa Isabel Avenue in Colon,

which is also open from 8 a.m. to 4
p.m. weekdays. The 1993 registra-
tion papers, 1994 "Registro de
Propiedad Vehicular" form, 1994
inspection form and a copy of the
owner's identification card or
cedula for each vehicle is required.
The cost of the plate depends on
the size of the vehicle. A "paz y
salvo" clearance, which is also re-
quired, is available at the same
place for an additional 25 cents.

TVhost isit Canal Photo by Kevin Jenkins
Don Francisco, host of the popular television show, "Sabado Gigante,"
interviews Miraflores Locks locomotive operator Claudio Porte Jr. for the
show's "Traveling Camera"segment. Don Francisco and his crew filmed
different aspects of Panama Canal operations as well as points of intere-t
in Panama to include in the show, which is broadcast widely in Latin
America as well as in the United States and Europe.

I

,
--

II Ai q

The Panama Canal Spillway

Friday, February 11, 1994

Scholarships announced

Commission package covers tuition

The Pana.a Capal Commission is offering ten
~lluiltip W's.thariips to Panama Canal College.
Ts~i~56#tip commences with the 1994 fall
semester and continues through the 1995 spring
semester, provided the recipient's grade-point av-
erage is maintained at an acceptable level.
Applicants will be judged on the basis of finan-
cial need, academic excellence and leadership
qualities. They must be minor dependents of
Commission employees and must have graduated
from high school by the time the fall semester
begins in August. Recipients must be proficient in
English and must register as full-time students. If it
is discovered that eligibility requirements have not
been met, a recipient will be disqualified subse-
quent to the awarding of the scholarship.
Applications are available from counselors at
the Balboa High and Cristobal Junior-Senior High
schools and at Panama Canal College. The dead-
line for returning them is Friday, April 15.

FEEA sets June 3 deadline

The Federal Employee Education and Assis-
tance Fund (FEEA) has announced its scholarship
program for the 1994-1995 school year. Employ-
ees and dependents are eligible to compete for
scholarships ranging from $300 to $1,200 per stu-
dent.
The minimum requirements are at least three
years of federal service by August 31, 1994, and a
3.0 grade point average on a 4.0 scale, or 2.25 on
a 3.0 scale. Applicants may be graduating high
school seniors or students continuing their college
educations at accredited universities of the United
States or Republic of Panama. Selection criteria
include academic achievement, community ser-
vice, a recommendation and a two-page essay.
The FEEA scholarship application may be ob-
tained from Dolores A. Eskildsen in the Office of
Personnel Administration (Room 251 of the Panama
Canal Commission Administration Building). It
must be completed and postmarked no later than
June 3.
Based in Washington, D.C., FEEA is a non-
profit organization that provides education and
emergency assistance to federal employees.

ICC offers two different plans

Applications for Isthmian College Club scholar-
ships to be awarded in late spring are available in
the offices of financial aid advisors at Balboa High
and Cristobal Junior-Senior High schools, Panama
Canal College and the local Florida State University
and Nova Southeastern University extensions. The
deadline for applying is March 23, and recipients
will be announced in May.
Study at an accredited college or university in
the United States or at Panama Canal College is
covered underthefirst type of scholarship, which is
open to graduates of Canal area schools.
At least one additional scholarship will be given
to a student who is attending or has plans to attend
the fall semester at Panama Canal College or the
local extension of Florida State University or Nova
Southeastern University. Candidates must have
had a break in education of at least one year and
must have graduated from a Canal area, U.S. or
U.S. accredited overseas school.
Financial need will be emphasized for both
scholarships, and a cumulative grade average of at
least a "B" is required. An official copy of the
applicant's most current high school or college
transcript must accompany the application.

Spillway deadline advanced

The deadline for submitting material for publication in
the February 25 issue of the Panama Canal Spillway has
been advanced to 11:45 a.m. Wednesday, February 16,
because of the Washington's Birthday holiday. For fur-
ther information, call the editor at 52-3202.

Traing ship

The "Koyo Mau," one of two training
vesselsoperatedbylapan'sShimonoseki
University of Fisheries, moves through
Gaillard Cut duringits southboundtran-
sit through thePanama Canallastmonth.
The agent for the ship at the waterway is
CB. Fenton & Co.

Photo by Jaime Fernandez

Vessel serves as classroom for fisheries studies

By Jennifer Jones
The Koyo Maru, a training vessel
from Japan's Shimonoseki University
of Fisheries, transited the Panama Ca-
nal last month as part of an around-the-
world cruise. The vessel has a 45-
member crew, with a staff offive profes-
sors to instruct up to 100 students. It
provides training in sterntrawling, long-
line tuna fishing and drift-net fishing as
well as in ship-handling, navigation and
oceanography skills, and its equipment
reflects the latest technology in these
fields.
Remote-control systems are avail-
able for the main engine, controllable-
pitch propeller and bow thruster, with a
central processing device providing in-
formation on weather, navigation and
engine status. Radar, radio, telegraph
and telephone systems offer full com-
munications capabilities, with a colli-
sion-avoidance system providing a mar-
gin of safety. An electronic fish finder
helps keep the 72.3-cubic-meter hold
full, and an 8,000-meter oceanographic
winch facilitates deep-sea studies. Two
classrooms are used for instruction, and
the hospital and dispensary attend to
medical needs.
The ship measures 267.07 feet in
length and 42.65 in beam. It has a 14-
knot sea speed and a cruising radius of
12,000 miles. Its sewage treatment unit,
designed to prevent marine pollution,
was the first of its kind installed in
Japan.

The Koyo Maru is one of two train-
ingvessels currently used bythe univer-
sity (the other being the smaller Tenyo
Maru) and is a replacement for the
original Koyo Maru, launched in Sep-
tember 1958 at the Shimonoseki Ship-
yard and Engine Works of Mitsubishi
HeavyIndustries Ltd. The currentKoyo
Maru was built by Hayashikane Ship-
building and EngineeringCompany Ltd.
and was launched in January 1978.
TheShimonoseki Universityof Fish-
eries started in 1941 in Korea as the
Busan Fisheries High School. At the
end of World War II, it was re-estab-
lishedinShimonoseki,Japan, asabranch
of the Tokyo Fisheries College, now
known as Tokyo University of Fisher-
ies. Its current name was adopted in
1963.
The university features a general
education division as well as depart-
ments of fishery science and technol-
ogy, food science and technology, ma-
rine engineering and biology and aqua-
culture. In addition to its two training
vessels, it also has laboratories for ma-
rine biology and freshwater and aquac-
ulture studies.
Japan's interest in fisheries training
relates to its prominent role in the
international fisheries industry. Ac-
cording to 1990 figures published by the
U.S. Department of Commerce in its
1993 Statistical Abstract of the United
States, Japan's commercial catch ac-
counted for more than 10 percent of the

world total, surpassed only by China
and the Soviet Union.
The 1992 Panorama de la Industria
yla Cooperaci6n Econ6mica delJap6n
notes that 200 grams of seafood per
person are consumed each day in Ja-
pan, compared with 19 grams in North
America, 16 in Argentina and 50 in
France. Furthermore, seafood con-
sumption in Japan has been increasing
at a rate of 1 percent a year. The
publication explains that the mountain-
ous terrain and small size ofJapan leave
inhabitants no choice but to look to the
sea for their protein and that this was
the main reason for the development of
the country's fisheries industry.
A sustained increase inJapan's catch
between the 1930s and early 1970s was
reversed by the worldwide adoption of
200-mile restricted zones, which barred
Japanese vessels from many former
fishing grounds. The 1992 edition of
Japan: A Pocket Guide reports that the
country has negotiated with the govern-
ments of several other nations to con-
tinue fishing in these areas through the
payment of fees and that it is focusing a
lot more attention on aquaculture.
In addition, Japan's traditional fish-
ing industry is faced with the challenge
of increasing efficiency and productiv-
ity. The Koyo Maru, which is repre-
sented at the Canal by C.B. Fenton &
Co., is an important tool for preparing
tomorrow's fishermento meetthis chal-
lenge.

Employee elected president of secretarial organization

By Susan K. Stabler
After being a member of the Colon
chapter of the Panama Executive Sec-
retariesAssociationfor five years, Gatun
Locks clerical assistant Marisol
Gonzalez was elected in November to
serve a one-year term as chapter presi-
dent.
Gonzalez has previously held the
positions of secretary of correspon-
dence, parliamentarian and vice presi-
dent. As president, her responsibilities
include conducting the meetings and
making sure association bylaws are
observed. The president also serves as
the association's legal representative.
"I'm responsible for anything that hap-
pens," she says.
Acceptingresponsibilitycomes natu-
rally to Gonzilez. Alexandra Wong,
Gatun Locks supervisory administra-
tive services assistant, says, "She is the
type of employee who, once she accepts
a task, completes it. She's very dedi-
cated and loyal."
The association's Colon chapter
meets once a month at the Hotel Wash-
ington in Colon to plan and discuss
upcoming events. The association or-
ganizes periodic seminars on such top-
ics as writing skills, time management,
clothing, makeup, health, human rela-
tions and public speaking. Once a year,
the association's three active chapters

from Colon, Panama and Veraguas
convene, and the "Secretary of the Year"
from each chapter competes for the
honor of claiming the title for the entire
association.
Gonzalez worked for a time at the
U.S. Army School of the Americas, but
all of her nearly ten years service to the
Panama Canal has been at Gatun Locks.
She started as a temporary clerk typist
and later served as secretary to the
superintendent. She has also relieved in
the time office and as control house
clerk, which included working a rotat-
ing shift -- a real balancing act since she
was struggling at the time to complete
courses at the University of Santa Maria
laAntiguain Colon. Shegained perma-
nent status in 1988. Of her current post
as clerical assistant she says, "I love my
job. I love what I'm doing. I love
everything about it."
Praising the Executive Secretaries
Association for the confidence it has
given her in her job, Gonzalez says
much of her positive attitude stems
from her membership in the organiza-
tion. In 1992, she represented the asso-
ciation at a convention in Columbus,
Ohio, attended by approximately 1,000
secretaries from around theworld. "The
association has helped me to grow," she
says. "By sharing solutions to problems
and exchanging ideas, we learn from

Chapter president
Gatun Locks clerical assistant Marisol
Gonzdlez displays the banner she was
presented on being elected president of
the Colon chapterof the Panama Execu-
tive Secretaries Association.
Photo by Susan K. Stabler

each other's experiences."
The same kind of cooperative spirit
is evident at Gonzlez' workplace. Wong
says, "I'm very proud to have her as part
of my staff. She's very quiet and dili-
gent. She would rather die than break
a regulation." And Gonzalez holds
Wong and her position in equally high
esteem. When asked about her career
goals, she replied, "I want to become an
administrative officer -- oh, yes!"

C~~ I_
a~-ns~~BV9~asff~E:. r ~i(~"_-:- : :;iisaff~::~~apfi

The Panama Canal Spillway

Commission expands emergency capabilities

An expansion of response capability was the principal
area of change during a recent revision of the Panama Canal
Commission's Oil and Hazardous Materials Contingency
Plan. Full revision of the plan to streamline, update and
integrate agency-wide response procedures for spills affect-
ing Panama Canal waters and inland areas was completed
following a six-month study under contract with Arthur D.
Little Inc., a leading international environmental consultant
based in Cambridge, Mass.
The project was coordinated by experts from the Marine
Safety Unit, the Fire Division, the Dredging Division's
Aquatic Vegetation and Oil PollutionManagement Branch,
the Canal Improvements Division's environmental-unit and
the Occupational Health and Safety divisions. This interdis-
ciplinary team has continued to meet to establish the
training, equipment and operating modifications needed to
implement the revised plan.
Special emphasis is placed on training at all levels of
participation, which ranges from heightening the general
awareness of Canal workers, who are potential observers of
spills, to specialized courses for the technical personnel that
would be actively involved during an actual incident. (See
illustrations at right showing spill response sequence.)
Initial and refresher training needed for combating
releases of oil and hazardous materials has been carefully
programmed over the next several years, and practice
exercises will be held periodically to maintain readiness and
ensure the most effective containment and dean-up perfor-
mance. (See story below.) The plan will be updated, as
necessary, to keep current with organizational or proce-
dural changes.
The new contingency plan interfaces with other guide-
lines applicable in the Canal area, including the Marine
Bureau's Vessel EmergencyReaction Plan, and furthers the
Commission's strong commitment to protection and en-
hancement of the natural environment.

r - --- - - - -- - - -1

How to report spills

S To report oil spills, call the Dredging Division field I
office (56-6691). Hazardous-material spillsshould be I
reported to the Fire Division (119). Vessel-related
spills of either kind may also be reported tothe Marine I
Traffic Control Center (52-4201).
L---------------------------

Operations
At this stage, designated
Panama Canal Commission
employees work from prudent
distances to control further
spread of the spilled material
through various measures, in-
cluding the building of chan-
nels or placement of contain-
ment devices to divert flows.

Technicians
Commission employees who
are thoroughly trained in inci-
dent-response functions are
called in to stop releases, put
out fires, conduct cleanup op-
erations and cary out other
"hands-on "corrective actions.
Specialized protective clothing
or gear may be required.

Representatives of the Marine Safety Unit, Canal Op-
erations Unit, Fire Division, Canal Protection Division,
Traffic Management Division and Public Affairs Office
participated in a tabletop drill last week to identify and
discuss procedures to be taken following a chemical spill.
The Panama Canal Commission Marine Bureau stages
response drills regularly to help ensure that key employees
are prepared to handle different types of emergencies.
Participants in this drill wrestled with various issues that
would arise with the discharge of a hazardous substance into
the water at a dock near La Boca. Under the exercise
scenario, about 46,000 pounds of methyl methacrylate (a
strong-smelling, volatile liquid used frequently in resins)
was accidentally released while being discharged from a
docked tanker.
Using a sophisticated computer program that analyzes
tidal and weather conditions and other relevant factors,

marine safety specialists are able to map out three areas of
concern to response personnel -- the fire-hazard zone in the
immediate vicinity of the spill, the evacuation area in which
the fumes from the spill are toxic and the wider areain which
the dispersed fumes are no longer toxic, but still producing
a strong odor. Exercise participants discussed measures
designed to protect people and property in the first two
areas and to preserve calm in the third. Marine traffic
control personnel also considered procedures for setting up
in a new location following the evacuation of their headquar-
ters.
The majority of Commission response drills are held in
the Panama Canal operating environment, with participants
acting out the procedures they would follow in a real
emergency. When the number of participants is limited, the
tabletop format used for this drill is sometimes chosen to
maximize discussion and minimize disruption.

A five-week Panama Canal Commission orientation
program for Panama Nautical School midshipmen ended
last week in a closing ceremony at the Miraflores Locks
theater, with Commission officials presenting certificates to
participants.
Now in its 21st year, the annual program gives partici-
pants an overall view of Panama Canal operations. Canal
pilot Alberto Herrera, this year's coordinator for the Com-
mission Maritime Training Unit, was pleased with the
performance of the midshipmen. "They have shown great
disposition for learning and have been very attentive during
the program," he says.
Ninety-two first- and second-year midshipmen visited
Industrial Division shops in Mount Hope, went on partial
transits of the Canal and took a tour of Miraflores Locks that
included visits to the control house and tunnels and briefings
on the functions and maintenance of cylindrical and rising-
stem valves.
Under the supervision of Fire Division Training Officer
Marcos Avila and Sgt. Eric Moses, first-year students
learned basic firefighting theories and techniques and par-
ticipated in hands-on firefighting drills at the Commission
fire station and training site in Rodman. They also received
intensive instruction in nautical English from Panama Ca-
nal Training Center specialists, briefings from the Marine
Safety Unit, an overview of vessel-measurement and tolls-
calculation procedures from the Admeasurement Division
and a close-up look at Dredging Division equipment.
This year's program for second-year students included
drills on the Maritime Training Unit's new computer-
controlled simulator.
Herrera thanks all participating Commission units for
their willing cooperation. "The program was a team effort
that wouldn't have been possible without the support of all
the people involved," he says.

Hazard recognition chosen as safety topic for January 1994

Hazard recognition was the Panama Canal Commission's
"Safety Topic of the Month" for January 1994. In an article
on the topic, safety specialist Wilford Smith pointed out that
hazards are not always apparent and that experienced
employees and supervisors are responsible for helping
newer employees identify them. He added that workplace
hazards fall into three main categories: personal, mechani-
cal and environmental.
"Analysis of accidental injuries over the past 20 years has
revealed that personal actions are, by far, the most frequent
factor in accident causes," Smith wrote, noting these haz-
ards include such things as handling tools incorrectly, using
improper lifting techniques, not wearing protective equip-
ment, attempting to do too much alone and horseplay.
In discussing mechanical hazards, Smith stressed the

need to be aware of the hazards associated with machines
and related equipment. "They are designed to make our
work easier and more efficient," he said, "but almost all
machines have moving parts that are powered by some
energy source."
"Environmental hazards are in the conditions of the
workplace, such as poor housekeeping, inadequate lighting,
excessive noise and hazardous materials we may be exposed
to," the article stated. Pointing out the need for everyone to
get involved in correcting these and other hazards, Smith
added that the result wouldbe fewer accidents, abetter work
environment and improved employee relations.
"We should never stop learning about the hazards in our
lives," he concluded. "If we do not care or become lazy, we
may be the next victims of those hazards!"

Fire drill Photo by Armando De Gracia
Sgt. Eric Moses of the Panama Canal Commission Fire
Division instructs a Panama NauticalSchoolmidshipman in
the use of extinguishers to control small fires.

Friday, February 11, 1994

The Panama Canal Spillway

Friday, February 11, 1994

Position Vacancy List
Applicants must have career or career-conditional status. Application forms must be submitted to the Employment and
Placement Branch (Building 366, Ancon) on Form 443, Application for Transfer, no later than seven days from the date
of this publication.
Persons selected for appointment to a permanent position and. persons selected for testing-designated positions (TDPs)
will be subject to urinalysis to screen for illegal drug use prior to appointment or permanent position change. Persons
already serving in a TDP will not be subject to urinalysis prior to a permanent position change.
For certain positions in one-grade interval series where there is no position in the normal line of promotion, in-service
employees may qualify with at least one year of specialized experience at the next-lower level or second-lower level of
the position.
Qualifications standards may be reviewed at the Panama Canal Commission Technical Resources Center (Building 38,
Balboa). For actions other than a promotion, modified qualifications will be used to qualify applicants when their
backgrounds include closely related experience that provides the skills necessary for successful performance.
The rates of pay reflect the minimum and maximum hourly base for the grades of positions advertised. Employees
selected will be placed in the appropriate grade, step and wage base in accordance with regulations.
Further information may be obtained from the Employment and Placement Branch (telephone 52-3583).
Lo- Va-
ca- can-
Permanent position Salaries Unit tion cies
General claims examiner, NM-9/11 (Bilingual)
(Part-time not to exceed 30 hours) ............. $13.32/$20.94 General Counsel P 1
Temporary promotion
(Not to exceed one year)
Computer assistant, NM-71 2 (Driver's license re-
quired.) .................................... $10.89/$14.15 Marine Director's P 1
Office

I Documentation that applicant meets special requirements must be filed in Official Personnel Folder
the application; otherwise, applicant will not be considered for the vacancy.
2 Only PCC employees will be considered.
The Panama Canal Commission is an equal opportunity employer.

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3/18

3/21-24

2/25

'2/28

3/22 & 23 3/1
3/22 3/1
3/28 3/7

3/29 3/8

3/29 3/8

Transisthmian Relay trophy
Julio Cabrera, standing on the platform, proudly displays his trophy
Panama Canal Commission team finished second in the Transisthmi6
category for runners over 40 years of age. Standing in front, from left,
members Manuel Landero, Pastor Perea, alternate Julio Mclnnis, Edward.
Bernabe Soto, Catalino Lopez, alternate Agustin Zun~iga, Anselmo Br
Loudat and Gil Balbuena. Team member Luis Camaio is missing from the,
is captain Roberto Vaca, who was on the other side of the camera. New re
the largest number of participating teams and for the fastest completion tin
50-mile course were set during the January 23 event.

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Location

Tr. Center
Tr. Center

Tr. Center
Tr. Center

717 Balboa

Crime stoppers thanked Photo by Jaime Fernandez
Canal Protection Division security guards receive letters of appreciation for actions
leading to the apprehension of individuals suspected of theft. From left are lead
security guards Ramdn Ledgister and Rodrigo Cigarruista; security guard Amilcar
Pinz6n; acting Assistant Pacific Branch Chief James Wilkins; Deputy General
Services Director Charles Morris; security guard Carlos Echeverria; acting Pacific
Branch Chief Herman S. Wilkinson Jr.; and security guards Pablo Vives, Rodolfo
Hogan and Armando Calvo. Not pictured is lead security guard Alberto Downs, who
received a letter of appreciation after detaining three individuals suspected of taking
Panama Canal Commission property from the locks. Calvo detained an individual
who had removed a hubcap from a Commission vehicle. The other guards were recog-
nized for their apprehension of two individuals suspected of attempted auto theft.

What's happening

Tr. Center Slides for church calendar

Tr. Center The Balboa Union Church is seeking
Tr. Center horizontally oriented slides with scenes of
Panama for its 1995 calendar. Call 52-2295
Tr. Center
or 28-0015 for information.

717 Balboa Balboa Dive Club
717 Balboa
717 Balboa The Balboa Dive Club welcomes certified
divers to join its ranks. The $12 annual fee
entitles members to receive a monthly
717 Balboa
newsletter, use the club's tanks and video
library free of charge and to participate in
717 Balboa club trips and meetings. More information

717 Balboa is available by calling 63-8077 or 50-0075.
Steak nights
717 Balboa The Gatun Yacht Club will hold steak
Gatun nights on February 17; March 3, 17 and
717 Balboa
31; April 14 and 28; May 12 and 26; and
717 Balboa June 9 and 23. Unless otherwise advertised,
Bal the event will be held on the Thursday
717 Balboa
following each Panama Canal Commission
payday. The menu includes barbecued
steak, baked potato, salad and bread, with a
pay-as-you-go bar. For reservations, call
Sue Stabler at 43-5487.

Park puts out welcome mat
The Metropolitan Nature Park welcomes
visitors between 8 a.m. and 6 p.m. daily.
Guided tours will be available through
March 27 at 9 a.m. and 3 p.m. on
Saturdays and Sundays and by appoint-
ment on weekdays. The tour features a walk
through the park, including a look at its
orchids; a briefing on a Smithsonian
Tropical Research Institute reforestation
project, one of three programs being
conducted by STRI at the park; and a
presentation of videos on environmental
topics.
Admission is 25 cents for visitors under
10 years of age and 50 cents for other
guests. Park officials recommend that
visitors wear outdoor clothing and shoes

after the and bring liquid refreshments. To set up a
an Relay weekday tour or for more details, call 32-
are team 5516 or 32-5552 between 8 a.m. and 4 p.m.
McAleer, Monday through Saturday.

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February is National

Black History Month

Earthquake relief
The Balboa Lions Club is soliciting
financial donations to assist victims of the
recent Los Angeles earthquake. The tax-
deductible contributions will be forwarded
to the Lions Club in Los Angeles for
distribution. Checks payable to the Balboa
Lions Club Earthquake Fund may be
mailed to Arthur J. Kerr, PSC 02 Box 2444,
APO AA 34002 or the Balboa Lions Club,
P.O. Box 964, Balboa (Ancon), Republic of
Panama.

Multimedia courses announced
A number of individualized training courses are
available to Panama Canal Commission employees at
the Panama Canal Multimedia Center, including two
new employee development packets. Each packet
listed below features eight hours of training, with the
exception of "Introduction to Microcomputers,"
which requires 16 hours and is a prerequisite for some
of the microcomputer training classes announced
separately on this page.
Nominations for multimedia classes should be
submitted through training program managers to the
Employee and Management Development Branch on
Form 2827, with the space for the date left blank. For
further assistance, call Pilar Mir6 at 52-4163.
Communicating Across Functions.
Providing Direction and Monitoring Performance.
Creating Upward Communication.
Strategies for Maintaining High Performance.
Making an Impact in the Office.
SPrinciples of Project Management.
Decision Making and Taking Action.
Planning and Organizing in a Changing World.
Perception and Interpersonal Relations.
Effective Oral and Written Communication.
Introduction to Microcomputers.

THE PANAMA CANAL

Spillway

GILBERTO GUARDIA F.
Administrator, Panama Canal Commission
RAYMOND P. LAVERTY
Deputy Administrator
WILLIE K. FRIAR
Director of Public Affairs
FRANKLIN D. CASTRELLON
Associate Director
JANET G. LEN-RIOS
Associate Director
JENNIFER JONES
Editor
The Panama Canal Spillway is an official biweekly publication of
the Panama Canal Commission. Articles may be reprinted without
further permission by crediting the source. All material should be
submitted by 11:45 a.m. Thursday of the week before publication or
by 11:45 a.m. Wednesday if there is a holiday during the week of
publication. Subscriptions for 52 issues are 56 by regular mail, S4 by
regular mail for students and S19 by airmail. Checks or money
orders should be payable to the Panama Canal Commission. Call
52-3202 for further information or write the Office of Public Affairs.
Panama Canal Commission, Unit 2300. APO AA 34011-2300 or
Balboa Heights. Panama.